What does the future hold for equine vets? H&H investigates

As the number of vet practices owned by corporations increases, H&H finds out what impact this may have

- BECKY MURRAY

THE continuing increase of the number of corporate-owned vet practices has led to discussions across the industry.

As more practices are owned by corporations, H&H has spoken to people involved about what this means for owners and vets, and the challenges facing the industry. This includes the vet shortage and the high number of vets who leave equine practice.

A recent talking point was the closure of Chiltern Equine on 9 February. IVC Evidensia bought the practice in 2021 with seven others, but after an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority, Chiltern Equine became independent again when it was sold to Nick Park last June. Founder Sarah Randall was with the practice until she was made redundant last month.

Dr Randall has set up Elite Equine Clinic and told H&H it is difficult for practice owners to find independent buyers.

"Historically, older vets would have an exit plan - bring up assistants through the practice, who would buy their share when they retired. That structure has disappeared so I think older partners don't really have any choice than to sell to corporates," she said, adding that during the short spell under IVC, nothing changed at Chiltern Equine in the running of the practice.

"Corporates should bring a lot of value in terms of hospitals and equipment, but vets must be making the decisions."

The rise of corporate-owned practices sometimes raises concerns among owners about rising bills, not seeing the same vet and the decline in choice when many practices are owned by the same company.

When asked whether the increase could be an issue, Dr Randall said she believes the main problem is for the younger generation of vets.

"I think a lot feel they don't have a future; with the old system there was a bit more career progression," she said.